Drivers

Know the Speed Limit & Observe It
The speed limit on most residential streets is 25 MPH (unless rural or otherwise posted). This lower speed gives motorists more time to react to the unexpected and to stop in an emergency. By the time the driver sees a hazard and applies the brakes to slow the vehicle, 2.5 seconds can elapse. In this brief period of time, a vehicle traveling 35 MPH travels nearly 40 feet further than one traveling 25 MPH. When you travel on residential streets, make a conscious effort to drive 25 MPH or less and check your speedometer frequently.

In an effort to enhance driver awareness, the Police Department places the City’s radar trailer display unit on various residential streets throughout the City. The variable display unit quickly informs motorists of their exact speed without distracting the motorist. Insist that other drivers in your family observe the residential speed limit and remind your friends and neighbors to do the same.

Plan Your Trips & Allow Plenty of Travel Time
Due to uncontrolled traffic incidents, the City cannot guarantee that your regular travel time will not be lengthened. When you are running late, remember that your car is not a time machine in which you can magically regain lost minutes by driving faster. Speeding between traffic signals and stop signs does not get you where you want to go any faster than steadily driving the speed limit. Watch for and yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections, whether there is a marked crosswalk or not. Remember that young pedestrians do not fully understand the life and death issues associated with vehicle impacts.

Use arterial streets for the main portion of your trip and avoid taking “shortcuts.” Residential streets may appear to be convenient “shortcuts," but will not save overall travel time if you stay within the 25 MPH speed limit. Arterial streets are designed to carry more vehicles at higher speeds than residential streets. Additionally, travel on arterial streets is less likely to be interrupted by unexpected vehicles backing in and out of driveways or children crossing the street. To shorten driving times, choose routes that allow you to make efficient use of arterial streets and minimizes your travel on residential streets. If you must travel on residential streets to access arterial streets, “be a courteous neighbor and drive 25.” Remember that you would not want your neighbors to speed in front of your house. Adjust your driving patterns on local streets.

Expect the Unexpected
Prepare yourself for sudden changes. Be ready to react swiftly and to swerve or stop quickly. It is far better to prevent an accident by driving defensively than it is to have an accident that was not your fault. Always travel at the posted speed limit or 25 MPH in a residential area.

Watch for Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections, whether there is a marked crosswalk or not. Remember that young pedestrians do not fully understand the life and death issues associated with vehicle impacts.

Use Arterial Streets for Main Portion of Trip, Avoid Taking Shortcuts
Residential streets may appear to be convenient “shortcuts,” but will not save overall travel time if you stay within the 25 MPH speed limit. Arterial streets are designed to carry more vehicles at higher speeds than residential streets. Additionally, travel on arterial streets is less likely to be interrupted by unexpected vehicles backing in and out of driveways or children crossing the street. To shorten driving times, choose routes that allow you to make efficient use of arterial streets and minimizes your travel on residential streets. If you must travel on residential streets to access arterial streets, “be a courteous neighbor and drive 25.” Remember that you would not want your neighbors to speed in front of your house.